LAHORE - The second and final phase of the Raiwind Tableeghi Ijtima concluded on Sunday.
Haji Abdul Wahab, chief of the Tableeghi Jamaat, led the prayers on the final day of the congregation. The 30 minutes long prayers started at 9am. Thousands of people from across the country were in attendance.
A mass wedding ceremony was held before the conclusion of the annual four-day event, which is considered to be the second biggest gathering of Muslims after haj. According to some estimates, more than one million people participate in two phases of the congregation.
Strict security measures were taken on the occasion and a special traffic plan was chalked out for convenience of the participants.
Pakistan Railways operates special trains from different destinations to Raiwind to facilitate the faithful. The Lahore Transport Company operates a shuttle service from various parts of the city to the congregation.
Leading religious scholars, political and social personalities and important people from different walks participate in the annual event. The gathering becomes double on the final day as thousands of people from Lahore and adjacent towns and villages rush to participate.
Known scholar of Tableeghi Jamaat Abdullah Khurshid delivered a comprehensive sermon before the prayer in which he emphasised the need for following the teachings of Islam. He said success of every person in the world and afterword was in surrendering to the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). He highlighted the need for unity and brotherhood among Muslims. He said Islam is a religion of peace and love and it has no room for terrorists and extremists. He asked Muslims to portray Islam’s true message of peace before the mankind. He said every Muslim should preach teachings of the religion to non-Muslim.
Haji Wahab, while offering the prayers, sought Allah Almighty’s forgiveness for mankind. He especially prayed for the Muslims of Kashmir, Palestine and Burma.
At the end of the congregation, thousands of people in groups left for preaching in various parts of the country and abroad.